Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Tues.’s Devo- The Great Reveal

Read: Gen. 43-45
Secrets have a way of getting out and unrepented sins have a way of revisiting us. Jacob’s ten sons found this out the hard way. For years they had hidden the secret of what they did to Joseph. They even told Joseph (before they knew who he was) that their brother had been eaten by an animal. I bet it was hard for Joseph to keep silent on that one.
Joseph continued his tests to reveal their hearts. Joseph let them feel what it felt like to be accused of something they didn’t do. They didn’t steal the silver cup just like he didn’t rape the wife of Potipher. He wanted to see if they would abandon Benjamin like they abandoned him. Had they learned to accept their position in the family and support and protect each other? Would they honor their father’s heart? They passed all of his tests. They were repentant and humble so he could reveal his secret. They were speechless! I would have loved to have been there to see their faces and then their hugs as Joseph welcomed them into his arms. I have to know this is how many of us come to Jesus. Tentative at first, like it’s too good to be true. Then, total abandonment when we realize he loves and forgives us of everything we have ever done. What a picture of the Jewish nation waking up to see that their Messiah is the one they rejected all these years.
Benjamin stands for the church who was not part of Jesus crucifixion, yet he is a brother by blood - the blood of Jesus. Look at how much more he is blessed than his brothers. He got 5 times the food at lunch and 300 pieces of silver and 5 changes of clothes.
Lord, we are so thankful for what You have done for us. Thank you for carrying our sin to the cross and taking it upon yourself. You took what we deserved. Thank you for your goodness and grace.

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